At AOPA's request, Marines warn pilots about upcoming military exercise

October 25, 2007

ByAOPA ePublishing staff

At AOPA's request, Marines warn pilots about upcoming military exercise

By AOPA ePublishing staff

From Oct. 31 through Nov. 11, the Marines will be conducting a training exercise in the skies above and around South Boston, Va. Thanks to recommendations from AOPA, the Marine Corps officials intensified their outreach to notify local users.

"These operations will be conducted outside of special-use airspace designated for military activity, so the military and FAA have an obligation and responsibility to conduct extensive outreach to local pilots," said Melissa Rudinger, AOPA vice president of regulatory affairs. "AOPA spoke to the military and has been assured that pilot groups will be notified about such operations in the future."

AOPA is concerned about the FAA approving military activity, normally conducted in military operations areas, outside of special-use airspace. The training exercise will include low-level helicopter operations, as well as Harrier and cargo aircraft. In addition, parachute operations and in-flight refueling operations will occur below 10,000 feet msl.

AOPA is calling on its members to take immediate action to build support for new legislation that would reform the third class medical process and provide other protections for general aviation pilots.